Microsoft recently made headlines by increasing the pricing for Xbox Game Pass and introducing a new ‘Standard’ tier for their game subscription service. However, according to reports from Windows Central, the Xbox parent company could be working on introducing even more new Game Pass tiers. These potential new tiers include a cloud-only subscription tier, an ad-supported tier, and a friends and family plan.
One of the rumored new tiers for Xbox Game Pass is a cloud-only version, which would allow players on devices outside of the Xbox ecosystem to access the catalogue of games on the service. This tier is expected to be cheaper than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and could potentially be available on competing console platforms. This move demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to increasing accessibility to their games and expanding their reach in the gaming market.
Another reported addition to the Game Pass lineup is the Friends and Family Plan, which was previously tested in select regions but never saw a wide rollout. This plan is designed to cater to multiple users in a family, similar to the family plans offered by other subscription services. By offering a plan specifically tailored to families, Microsoft is aiming to attract a wider audience and make Game Pass more appealing to households with multiple gamers.
In addition to the potential new tiers mentioned above, there are rumors of an ad-supported Game Pass tier being in the works. This tier would cater to players who are unwilling to pay a subscription fee for Game Pass and would instead opt for an ad-based version of the service at no cost. This strategy is reminiscent of ad-based tiers for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and could potentially open up Game Pass to a whole new segment of users.
Microsoft recently launched the Xbox cloud gaming service on the Xbox app on Amazon Fire TV Stick, allowing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to access Xbox titles on the device without the need for a dedicated Xbox console. This move reflects the company’s focus on cloud gaming and making their games more accessible across different platforms. Furthermore, Microsoft’s decision to increase Game Pass pricing coincided with the announcement that the next installment in the popular Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, would be available on Game Pass at launch. This move is sure to attract more players to the service and solidify Game Pass as a must-have subscription for gamers. Additionally, there are plans to add last year’s Call of Duty title, Modern Warfare 3, to Game Pass towards the end of July, further enhancing the value proposition for subscribers.
Microsoft’s potential new Game Pass tiers and recent developments indicate a strong commitment to expanding and improving their game subscription service. By introducing new tiers tailored to different user needs and preferences, Microsoft is aiming to attract a wider audience and provide more value to their subscribers. With the addition of highly anticipated titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Microsoft is positioning Game Pass as a premier gaming subscription service that offers unparalleled access to a diverse and compelling library of games. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Microsoft’s innovative approach to Game Pass is sure to keep them at the forefront of the market.
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